I just want to give a shoutout to my mum for some of the ideas I ended up incorporating. Thanks, mum!

I own nothing aside from original characters and original plot points.

ENJOY!

Jeff Tracy smiled at the scene unfolding on the runway. International Rescue had now been in operation for several months, which also meant that it had been several months since Indiana last saw her family. This was something Jeff wanted to remedy.

He knew inviting her mother to the island was a no go. Indiana had made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with the woman who gave birth to her. From everything he had read about her, Jeff thought it was a wise decision. Sarah Evans wasn't the kind of woman Jeff wanted around his sons.

Not for the first time, he wondered how someone like Indiana could be related to someone like Sarah.

Next on the list of perspective visitors was Indiana's younger sister, Linda. Desperate for her mother's approval, Linda decided to go along with her mother's desperate attempts to turn her into what she could never be. But even that backfired when Linda achieved more success than Sarah ever had before her career was derailed by her surprise pregnancy. Even being diagnosed with type one diabetes did not derail the younger woman's career goals. In fact, she used her platform to raise awareness and she often teamed up with Indiana to provide care for those who may not have access to it. Jeff wanted to meet her. Unfortunately, he heard Indiana mention that she had a series of shows in Paris, having teamed up with Francois Lemaire. Her schedule would not allow anything more than the occasional tele-call and letter for several months.

Next was the baby of the Evans family. Matthew. Jeff had heard that Scott regularly talked to the younger man. His background check told him that Matthew had enrolled in the Air Force ROTC with the intention of becoming an Air Force pilot. From what Jeff had heard, Matthew had recently completed the requirements to become a pilot. That explains why Indiana arranged for Scott and Matthew to begin a correspondence. She must have felt her baby brother would benefit talking to someone who's been where he is. The fact that he had just recently been transferred in light of receiving a new assignment meant he wouldn't be available for a visit for some time either.

So, that left Indiana's father, David Evans. He was a renowned dancer and choreographer who continued working to this day. When he finally divorced Sarah Evans and retained custody of his three children, he slowed down his career temporarily so he could help his traumatized children heal. Once they were okay and Matthew was close to graduating high school, he began leaving Boston again for work. Indiana joked that they all had a hard time getting him to slow down. From what he had heard, David had taught all three children to dance, but neither of them entertained seriously pursuing a career in the industry. It was a fun activity that unified them, but not something they wanted to do for the rest of their lives.

It was why Jeff was surprised when he reached out to David and offered him the chance to spend a few days at Tracy Island to catch up with his daughter and rest before he moved on to his next job. He had organised it as a surprise for Indiana, knowing how much she missed her family and wanting to show how much her contributions have been appreciated. He had no trouble convincing the others of his scheme. They all wanted to meet Indiana's family as well.

The way she cried of happiness as she embraced her father when he arrived already made it all worth it.

After taking the day to rest, David Evans began exploring where he would be spending his next few days. The previous night, Indiana had just about talked his ear off about the pool, the beach, the hiking trails and introducing him to the best spots to watch the sunset.

However, he was still warned that there were parts of the island he wasn't allowed to roam. David understood, particularly when Jeff mentioned that they sometimes did top-secret work for his company on the island to test it out before they brought it to the others on the mainland. It certainly explained to him why they had a scientist and a doctor in residence.

David let out a small grunt when he bumped into someone. He had been so lost in his train of thought, he didn't see where he was going and he ended up bumping into one of the Tracy boys. From the letters Indiana sent home and the introductions when he arrived yesterday, he realised that he had bumped into Alan, the youngest son.

"Oh. I'm sorry, Mr. Evans," Alan apologised, "My own fault."

"No. It's okay," David shook his head, "David. Please. Something tells me we'll be seeing more of each other as long as my daughter continues working with you."

"Okay… David," Alan trailed off, almost as if he was testing the idea of referring to the older man by his first name.

"You have a tennis court?" David asked, referring to Alan's dress.

"Yeah. I was going to go practice and burn off some energy. Would you like to join me?" Alan offered, "We have plenty of spare rackets you can use."

Looking down at his attire, David figured he was already suitably dressed for the sport, so he accepted the younger man's offer.

"I should warn you. It's been a while since I played the game," David warned him, "You might not find me a worthy opponent."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Alan smiled, "We just play for fun and to let off some steam. Although, if I'm playing with my brothers, we often make some wagers. Like the loser has to do the winner's chores for a week."

"Seems harmless enough," David hummed, "Does my daughter take part?"

"We regret teaching her," Alan deadpanned, "Turns out she's got a wicked backhand."

David chortled. That sounds like his daughter.

"The last time I went against her, I had to restock the infirmary," Alan shuddered, "Turns out she has a system."

"You're surprised?" David drawled.

The more Alan thought about it, the more he agreed with David's statement. He really shouldn't have been surprised. Although, Alan supposed she would have to have a system. Particularly with what her job called for.

"Well, I'm happy to hear she's settling in. That's what I was worried about most when she took this job," David admitted.

"She's one of us," Alan declared, "Proved that when she got payback on Gordon for a prank he pulled on her."

"Now, I'm going to ask you something as her father," David stopped Alan in his tracks, "I don't doubt that you boys have been nothing but gentlemanly towards my daughter. But have any of you…?"

David trialled off, trying to find the right way to ask if any of the Tracy boys had tried courting his oldest daughter and he needed to give any of them the "whatever you do to my daughter, I do to you" speech.

"Not me!" Alan rejected as he furiously shook his head, "I mean, I love your daughter, but she's like my older sister. She's like a sister to most of us."

"Most?" David repeated, not missing Alan's slip of the tongue.

"Well, everyone knows there seems to be something going on between Scott and Indy. Except them," Alan quipped with a laugh.

With that, the two men embarked for the tennis courts for a friendly game of tennis. After Alan narrowly beat him, Indiana walked down with a tray of iced tea for the boys.

"Kyrano sends his regards," Indiana laughed, referring to the family's housekeeper, "Looks like you're settling in okay, dad."

"I am, kiddo," David responded with a fond smile as he poured himself a glass, kissing Indiana on the temple, "I can now see why you were ready to leave Rochester. If I had the chance to work on an island paradise, I'd take it, too."

"Her work's also proven to be invaluable," Alan boasted, "Thanks to her, the foundation's already improved trauma care in several areas."

"I just provided some additional training, Alan," Indiana blushed.

"And helped father identify what equipment they needed," Alan added as he affectionately elbowed her, "You're doing a lot of good work, Indy."

Not used to receiving such praise, Indiana's blush only deepened as she poured herself some of Kyrano's iced tea.

David watched as Alan and Indiana traded some good-natured barbs at each other, reminding him of Indiana's interactions with her brother growing up. Actually, now that he thought about it, Alan often reminded him of his only son.

Perhaps that's why he and Indiana got on so well.

David's next individual experience with a Tracy son was with Gordon. The fourth youngest was found "in his natural habitat", everyone playfully quipped: the pool. David supposed he shouldn't be surprised. Gordon was an Olympic medallist in swimming.

Also, he shouldn't talk. His second home was a dance studio.

"Oh. Hi, Mr. Evans!" Gordon cheerfully greeted their visitor as he popped his head out of the water.

"David, please. Water nice?" David inquired.

"Oh yeah!" Gordon eagerly nodded, adding a splash for effect, "Best it's been for a few days. Care to join?"

"No thanks," David declined kindly, "But you don't mind if I put my feet in, do you?"

"Go right ahead," Gordon nodded before swimming away to complete another lap.

David recognized that Gordon was swimming the butterfly stroke, which earned him the Olympic medal. While Gordon swam his lap, David took in the beautiful breeze.

Maybe he can convince Jeff to let him vacation here more often.

"Hey, Indy!" Gordon called to Indiana as she walked by, "Wanna join us?"

"Can't, Gordo," Indiana shook her head apologetically, "Brains wants to pick my brain about something. But I'll be over when I'm done. Hey, dad!"

"Hey, kiddo!" David waved back to his daughter, "Take your time."

Indiana smiled at the two boys before walking away in pursuit of the resident scientist.

"Does she often help this Brains fellow with his experiments?" David asked worriedly.

"She doesn't always takes part in them. She just sometimes offers some unique perspectives for him. Her medical background helps tremendously there as well," Gordon stated, "They regularly bounce off of each other any safety concerns and how to reduce risk. She also convinces him to eat sometimes."

"Let me guess. She threatens to hook him up to intravenous feeding," David deadpanned.

"Oh good," Gordon muttered in relief, "It's not just us."

"She always means well," David said to Gordon, "Although, I will admit, her college education gave her the means to get more creative."

"What'd she do before? Wait. Do I want to know?" Gordon debated with himself.

"Nothing bad," David laughed, "But she has a wicked prank streak. Evans family trait."

"I know," Gordon grumbled.

Gordon didn't need to say anything further. David knew from the look on the younger man's face that he's been on the receiving end of Indiana's pranks; particularly if he had pranked her first. Indiana tended to get a bit creative in her retribution. She strongly believed in the saying, "Turnabout's fair play."

"Alan told me about your conversation," Gordon told him, suddenly breaking the silence that had fallen.

David let out a groan, "I'm sorry, Gordon."

"No, it's okay," Gordon cut in, "You want to know your daughter's okay. Nothing wrong with that."

"Alan also told me that most of you see her as a sister," David recalled.

"Yeah. We do," Gordon nodded, "Except Scott."

"So, I've been told," David drawled, "Does Scott have any intentions towards my daughter that are less than honourable?"

"Scott's not like that," Gordon shook his head firmly, "None of us are. We were raised better than that. Besides, Scott's been weird with relationships since that summer we spent in North Carolina."

David's ears perked at Gordon's comment, "You guys spent a summer at North Carolina?"

"Yeah. We went to Outer Banks. Scott was about to start senior year, so he was told to do some things for himself for once. Away from the family. He sacrificed a lot after our mother died," Gordon revealed.

All of a sudden, Gordon leaned in with a conspirator's leer, "Between the two of us, I think he met someone special. He was never the same after that summer. He's dated, but never seemed to have gotten overly serious with anyone."

David froze, but he couldn't dwell on it because Indiana decided to join them at that moment.

"Is Gordon trying to rope you into something, dad?" Indiana asked knowingly.

"Who? Me?" Gordon gave Indiana a disarmingly innocent smile, "Never!"

"Why don't I believe you?" Indiana deadpanned.

"Because you know me," Gordon smirked, referring to their private joke.

David smiled. He was really liking it here.

When David walked into the main lounge area of the villa, he saw Virgil painting. He knew from Indiana's letters that Virgil was an artist at heart. When he wasn't working, he was often found painting or playing the piano. Today, artistic inspiration seemed to hit Virgil as he worked on painting what David recognized as a beach. But he quickly recognized that it wasn't one of the beaches on Tracy Island.

In fact, it looked suspiciously like Outer Banks.

"Oh. Mr. Evans," Virgil finally acknowledged the older man as he removed his headphones, "I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."

"David. Please. And it's fine, Virgil," David smiled, "This looks like Outer Banks."

"You've been there?" Virgil asked.

"Yeah. I was asked to help out at Deepwater Theatre and Music Hall one summer, so I decided to take the kids and turn it into a working holiday," David recalled, 'Fortunately, the kids were at an age where they could mostly be left to their own devices most of the time."

"What'd they do when you worked?" Virgil inquired.

"Matty and Linda spent a lot of time exploring the rock pools and having picnics," David answered, "To be honest, I don't know what Indy got up to a lot of the time."

"Just out of curiosity," Virgil began as he began packing away his art supplies, deciding he wouldn't get anymore painting done at the moment, "I think I heard Indy mention she has a memory blank. Would that be for that summer?"

"Yeah," David nodded with a heavy sigh, "It was the catalyst that allowed me to divorce her mother that gave me guaranteed custody of the kids. The type of memory loss Indiana has is retrograde amnesia."

"Yeah. It refers to the loss of information acquired prior to developing amnesia," Virgil recalled before blushing, "We've picked up a lot of medical stuff from Indy. We help her prepare to teach those courses."

"I can tell," David laughed, "The amount of memories lost differs for everyone. But when Indy woke up in the hospital, she thought it was before that summer."

Deciding to find a way to confirm his suspicions, David recalled what Gordon had told him, "Your brother Gordon mentioned that he thought Scott met someone that summer."

Virgil froze, "Scott does confide in me a lot, but nothing like that. He might have. I once caught him buying condoms."

David decided at that moment he was thankful he wasn't consuming a beverage at that moment because he would've either choked on it or destroyed Virgil's beautiful painting. Or spat it on the artist himself. David didn't know and he didn't trust his potential reaction.

But he couldn't ask anymore because Indiana walked in. He didn't want his daughter knowing he was prying like that. Even if she had the suspicion.

What can he say? He's protective of his children.

When David arrived, Indiana had promised to take him hiking along one of her favourite trails. Indiana always loved hiking. It kept her active and helped her clear her mind. She had excitedly written about the hiking trails Scott had shown her within the first weeks of her arrival.

Now, Indiana was making good on her promise. Indiana mentioned that Scott had shown her a trail that gave her a brilliant view of the sunset. Knowing her father loved sunsets, she decided to take him on that trail at that time so he could take in all the beauty Tracy Island had to offer.

"What's on your mind, kiddo?" David pressed.

"Nothing. Jeff just mentioned something to me about that Thompson Tower inquiry," Indiana shrugged.

"I'd heard about that. International Rescue was responsible for saving that family trapped in the corridor," David recalled.

"Yeah," Indiana smiled, hoping her actions didn't give away what she was really doing on the island, "They had determined how the fire started, but they were still trying to work out how the fire got so bad. Turns out there were some problems with the wiring for the emergency systems and the vent seal."

"What? You're saying there were some kickbacks were involved?" David asked worriedly.

"Might be. They're still trying to work that out. But basically, the wiring that was provided was inadequate for the job they were allocated for," Indiana sighed, "Also, they're looking into the materials the building was made of. Apparently, there are some concerns about how flammable it is."

"I'd say so," David scoffed, "With how bad that fire got!"

Indiana let out another sigh as she turned towards the horizon. David had to admit Scott was right. This was a beautiful spot to view the sunset.

"Hey, honey," David began, "You mentioned in some of your letters that you're starting getting some of your memories back."

"Yeah. Being here helped," Indiana revealed, "I remembered that we went to Outer Banks. I spent a lot of time at the beach. Just trying to get away from my mother. I remember that I met someone, but I couldn't tell you about him."

"You did," David confessed, earning a surprised look from Indiana, "When I went to check on you kids at lunch one day, I saw you spending time with another boy that was there on holiday."

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Indiana demanded.

"You know what the doctors said, Indy," David gently admonished her, "Pushing you too hard would've jeopardized your recovery. It was better to let any memories come back naturally. The only memories I talked about with you were the ones you remembered on your own."

"I know," Indiana sighed, "And I understand it. I do. I just never felt right about having this huge gap in my memory. Especially when you have your mother actively hoping you lost all your memories so she could manipulate you."

"That never would've happened," David told her firmly, "For one thing, your siblings wouldn't have allowed it. You always protected them. They would've protected you in return. And I kept documentation. So even if you had lost all your memories, there was irrefutable evidence."

"Jeff is putting me in touch with some people that can help make sure she stays out of my life," Indiana revealed, "And make sure she never gets anywhere near any children I may have. He said he'll offer the same to Matty and Linda if they need it."

"That's good to know," David sighed in relief, "That was one of my worries if anything happened to me. Sarah would use that as an opportunity to try to slink her way back into your lives. Fortunately, she doesn't know that you're here."

"Have you heard anything?" Indiana pressed, "Matty and Linda haven't. They asked me the same question."

"I have people that keep tabs on her to make sure she stays away from us," David responded, "Last they heard, she's shacked up with some boy. Emphasis on the boy. He might be Alan's age."

Indiana chortled, "One can only imagine what she's providing him to stay with him."

"Indiana Charlotte Evans!" David reprimanded jokingly before the two dissolved into fits of laughter.

As the sun began disappearing behind the horizon, David felt he could finally ask his daughter directly, "Is anything happening between you and any of those boys?"

"No," Indiana shook her head quickly. A little too quickly for David's liking. Also, her blush gave her away.

"You sure?" David prodded, "Nothing between you and Scott?"

"If there is, he hasn't told me," Indiana joked, "But seriously. We just work together a lot. We're really good friends. He helped me adjust to life on the island."

Now, why didn't David believe his oldest daughter?

Today was David's last full day before he had to fly back to the mainland. He had accepted another job in New York and had to fly out to settle in before he started work. Besides, he didn't want to feel like he was overstaying his welcome, and he mainly came out to see for himself Indiana was okay.

He had gotten to know all the Tracy boys very well. He knew his daughter was safe. Plus, there was someone here to heavily dote on her. Grandma Tracy had adopted Indiana the second she met her.

But Scott had disappeared. He had received a cable about something happening to one of his buddies from the Air Force and Scott had suddenly taken off two days before for the mainland to see him. Apparently, this buddy's family had asked for Scott to fly out to see him because they didn't know if he would make it. He didn't know the details, but he knew Scott was frazzled.

He dreaded getting a cable like that concerning his son. It was the only reason he tried to talk him out of pursuing a career in the Air Force.

Scott insisted on going alone. Apparently, this buddy took part in one of Scott's heavily classified missions. That was why he flew out. And that was why he couldn't take anyone with him.

"Is Scott back?" David asked the room.

"He flew in an hour ago," Jeff answered with a heavy sigh, "Looks like his friend's in bad shape. He's getting excellent care, but it's still touch and go. Scott might be flying out for a funeral."

David felt his heart go out for the younger man. From the brief conversations he had with Scott, he knew he bore a lot of scars – physical and mental – from his time in the Air Force. And he couldn't talk about it openly. Not like Gordon could about his hydrofoil crash.

Deciding to stretch his legs (and perhaps find his daughter), he found Scott in his bedroom, having forgotten to shut the door.

He was sitting on the edge of his bed. Indiana knelt behind him, embracing him from behind. Stroking his hair. Murmuring comforting words that seemed to do nothing to comfort the aghast man (although, they weren't exactly unappreciated).

Hung up in front of them were Scott's dress blues. The commendations he had earned during his time in the Air Force were lined up. Ready to be pinned. It was clear that Scott was preparing to fly out for a funeral.

Scott let out a heavy breath as he suddenly planted a kiss on the inside of Indiana's wrist. It was clearly not the first moment of intimacy they've experienced and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Scott murmured something to her. Something David couldn't understand. But Indiana did. She murmured something back. But just like David couldn't understand what Scott told her, he couldn't understand how Indiana responded.

He suddenly felt like he was intruding, so he walked away. He'd talk to Scott and Indiana later.

"How did you find the island?" Jeff asked later as he handed David a cup of coffee.

"I can now see why you love it out here," David remarked, "If I save enough money, I might have to get a private island of my own. Might be a great retirement idea."

Jeff chuckled, "It certainly has its benefits. I do sometimes worry about the isolation and how it impacts the boys. But they know they can go to the mainland when they need. If they end up going for my business, they always know they get an extra day's R&R. You know, work-life balance."

"I get what you mean. I was so concerned with getting money on the table that I didn't always think about creating meaningful memories with my kids. Or protecting them from their mother," David admitted.

"You can't hold yourself responsible for that. Indiana certainly doesn't," Jeff stated, "She adores you."

"I also think she adores your son," David grumbled.

Jeff laughed at David's remark. "You noticed it too," Jeff drawled, "Everyone's noticed a shift between them the last few weeks. Nobody knows anything. They'll deny everything. If it makes you feel better, that adoration seems to be mutual."

"I'd feel better if it wasn't more than simple adoration," David grumbled once again, "Should I start preparing to walk her down the aisle?"

"I don't think so. Not yet, anyway," Jeff shook his head, "If they do have something, it's very early days. They may want to keep it to themselves for a while."

"When do you think it started?" David inquired.

"If I had to pick a time," Jeff mused, "A couple weeks ago. They went hiking together. Nothing out of the ordinary. They often did that. But there was certainly a change between them when they came back."

Tin-Tin chose that moment to walk in, "Mr. Tracy. Another cable's come for Scott. Should I give it to him?"

"No."

Everyone turned in surprise to see Indiana standing there. "I'll take it to him. Thank you, Tin-Tin. Do you… do you know anything?"

"I didn't read it," Tin-Tin shook her head as she handed the cable to Indiana, "It didn't feel right. Father took it down. Told me to give it to Scott right away."

Indiana left the room as quickly and as quietly as she came. Wordlessly, Jeff and David decided to follow.

While Indiana made a move to shut the door this time, it didn't shut all the way. It was due to a glitch. Brains was working on it, but as he says, he can't fix a problem if he can't identify it.

"Scott," Indiana began gently as she knelt before him, "This just arrived for you."

"Can you read it for me?" Scott asked brokenly, "I just… don't know if I…"

"It's okay," Indiana whispered.

With shaking hands, Indiana opened the envelope containing the cable. When she opened it, she didn't have to read it aloud. The look on her face told Scott everything he needed to know.

The way Scott started sobbing and clung to Indiana told Jeff and David everything they needed to know.

His friend was dead.

Indiana looked up and saw Jeff standing in the doorway, but he couldn't see her father. Discreetly, she shook her head and Jeff understood what she was trying to say. His oldest would need his father later. But right now, he wanted time to process. He wanted time to grieve.

Scott didn't notice the exchange. He had buried his face in the crook between Indiana's neck and shoulder and clung to her like she was his lifeline.

When Jeff and David walked back to the main lounge, they saw the others had gathered. Kyrano was dabbing tears away from his eyes as Tin-Tin comforted him. When the brothers saw the look on Jeff's face, they knew what the cable contained.

"Oh God," Grandma Tracy whispered.

"He didn't make it," Virgil sighed heavily.

"No," Jeff shook his head sadly, "No, he didn't."

David had heard from Indiana how close the Tracy family were. Sure. They teased each other like brothers. But they were there when it counted.

It explained Grandma Tracy rushing into the kitchen, determined to cook Scott's favourite dessert. It explained Virgil going to fetch his sketchbook, already planning a commission in tribute to Scott's friend. It explained Gordon immediately offering to accompany Scott to his friend's funeral. After all, Scott was a steady presence for Gordon when he went to visit the graves of his crew from the hydrofoil crash, having missed the funerals due to his hospitalization. It explained Alan immediately making plans to take over Scott's duties when he went to the mainland. (Although, due to David's presence, he couldn't outright state his plan to take over piloting Thunderbird 1 if needed.)

It reminded David of his own children. Always there when needed.

The following day, David was preparing to leave the island. He was repeatedly told he was welcome anytime he felt he needed a vacation and to make sure the same offer was extended to Matthew and Linda.

Scott even managed to come down to say goodbye. He looked a little worse for wear, but David sympathised with him.

"Scott," David acknowledged the oldest Tracy son, "Take care, alright?"

"Yes, sir," Scott nodded.

David then pulled Scott into a hug. Scott had been warned about this. Apparently, the Evans family were huggers.

What Scott wasn't expecting was for David to whisper in his ear, "Take care of my little girl."

Looking resolute, Scott nodded, "I will, sir."

Satisfied, David nodded and boarded his jet. He was happy Indiana convinced him to get a pilot's license with her. It certainly came in handy. Especially when your daughter relocates to a private tropical island. He watched as everyone waved him farewell as his plane took off.

Despite what everyone said, David was convinced that he had just met his future son-in-law.